6 Nov 2024
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6 Nov 2024
18:00
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20:30
$35 per person + booking fee
2.5hr activity
Our first speaker, Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem, a nominee for the 2024 SA Scientist of the Year, will guide you through the evolution of glass. From its traditional forms to its role in advanced technologies, Professor Heike will reveal how glass has transformed into a crucial component in various fields. Discover how the unique properties of glass, particularly when paired with light, make it essential for technologies ranging from art to fibre optics. She will explain how different methods, such as fibre drawing and extrusion, and new techniques like 3D glass printing, showcase glass' diverse applications and its impact on modern science and industry.
Following Professor Ebendorff-Heidepriem, meet Tony Koutsonikolas, R&D Mechanical Engineer at Maple Glass Printing, an innovative Australian company leading the charge in glass 3D printing and recycling. Australia is at the forefront of revolutionising the glass industry, boasting the world's first commercial glass 3D printer and groundbreaking recycling solutions.
Tony will take you through the fascinating journey of how Maple Glass transforms raw glass materials into high-quality filament and ultimately into intricate 3D-printed designs. This technology is opening new frontiers for glass applications, enabling complex, digitally fabricated designs that were once unimaginable. Even more impressively, Maple Glass is committed to sustainability, with the capability to produce parts from up to 100% waste glass. Discover how this pioneering approach is not only shaping the future of glass manufacturing but also setting new standards for environmental responsibility.
Dr Jiawen Li will follow with a real-world example of using 3D-printed glass to advance healthcare. Associate Professor at the University of Adelaide, she is an innovator in biomedical engineering. Dr Li will present a groundbreaking advancement in the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. During the lecture, she will discuss her development of an ultrathin 3D-printed endoscope designed to aid cardiologists in identifying patients at high risk of heart attacks.
All lectures are supported by The University of Adelaide, the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing, Inspiring SA, ANFF, Optofab, and special thanks to partner Maple Glass Printing for this lecture.
Enhance your evening with picnic boxes for a selection of treats, available for pre-order to pick up from the Noel Lothian Hall.
Arrive early to meander under majestic trees and through the lush landscapes of Adelaide Botanic Garden while exploring the stunning Chihuly in the Botanic Garden for before the show.
Your ticket includes a drink upon arrival, available from 6:00pm, with the lecture starting at 7:00pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see glass in a new light!
Wednesday Wonders
On Wednesday nights this spring, join us for a unique series of events.
Be delighted by local artists for some mid-week magic at the Music Series, or explore the scientific realms of glass in fascinating Science Talks, in partnership with the University of Adelaide's Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing.
Arrive up to an hour before your event to see the Chihuly in the Botanic Garden exhibition in a new dimension as the sun sets, grab a drink from the bar or pre-order a picnic box to enjoy in the Garden.
Professor Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem is a world-renowned scientist based in South Australia, celebrated for her pioneering work in developing advanced optical glass and fibres. With over two decades of international acclaim and numerous awards, Heike has led groundbreaking research initiatives, notably the development of ZBLAN Space Fibre. This innovation holds the potential to revolutionize global internet connectivity and data transfer rates.
Heike’s leadership extends beyond her research, driving strategic partnerships with industry and contributing to economic and societal advancement. She is deeply committed to mentoring emerging researchers and fostering public engagement with science, including collaborations with the artistic community. Her visionary approach and dedication continue to inspire and shape the future of STEM, making a lasting impact on both academia and society.
Tony Koutsonikolas holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Monash University. He leads a team of engineers at Maple Glass Printing and produced the world’s first commercial glass 3D printer from the initial idea phase. He has a decade of experience in additive manufacturing and electro-mechanical prototyping and testing with a strong passion for sustainability which is reflected in his machine designs and processes.
A/Professor Jiawen Li: Dr Jiawen Li, an award-winning engineer at the Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), is transforming cardiovascular imaging with her innovative work on ultrathin, flexible fibre-optic probes. These state-of-the-art tools provide high-resolution visualization of arteries, offering new insights into atherosclerotic plaque development and heart attack prevention. A Fellow of the NHMRC and National Heart Foundation, Jiawen has been recognized as a Superstar of STEM and named in MIT Technology Review’s Global 35 Innovators Under 35, for her groundbreaking research.
